A Florida Gulf Coast University student has been arrested on a felony charge and suspended after making threats over Twitter to kill students.
University officials said FGCU became aware Wednesday morning of concerning activity made off-campus on Twitter by the student that may have indicated a danger to the campus community.
According to a report from the University Police Department, the concerning activity consisted of multiple threats including, "I'm going to kill people", "I'm going to shoot students at FGCU", "...help, I'm a danger I'm going to join Al quieda," all made shortly after 4 a.m.
The University Police Department coordinated efforts with sheriff’s offices in Collier, Lee and Hendry counties as well as the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to find the student making the threats and ensure campus safety.
The 25-year-old male suspect, whom WGCU is not naming, also wrote, "nothings rigged for me by these time stamps, and my meta data proves its all mental illness or illnesses."
A search for the suspect was started but before being found he came to the University Police Department office on campus shortly before 10 a.m. and asked to file a police report.
After complaining that people were listening to the suspect's conversations, he confirmed that he had sent the threatening social media messages and was detained.
The police report also confirmed that there were weapons at the suspect's home but that they were locked away and he had no access to them.
The police report said the suspect told officers that he woke up Wednesday morning feeling agitated and decided to post the threats. He also told officers that he had no intention of carrying out the threats.
The suspect has been charged with intimidation/making electronic or written threat of mass shooting or terrorism act, a second degree felony, trespassed from campus, including all classes, and suspended pending additional student conduct, which means the student is not allowed on campus or in any classes.
The university said it encourages students and others involved with FGCU to report anything suspicious that they see or hear to University Police Department. In urgent situations, those with concerns can call 911 or dial (239) 590-1900, or use the Guardian Eagle App to send tips via text messages and call 911 with the touch of the button. For more information about the app, visit www.fgcu.edu/upd/raveguardian.
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.
